food and covering is all we need to be content.

1Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain: 7 for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out; 8 but having food and covering we shall be therewith content. 9 But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Maybe this is why I love camping so much. so simple.

 The verse mentions nothing of happiness which seems to be so popular today. Why do we feel entitled to happiness or anything else in life? what have we got that has not been given? what have we got that's not been shown to us? to paraphrase some song lyrics by Harrod and Funck.

 I am always so annoyed when those websites pop up. "ok so lets make some money" one says and another "i'm not sure who recommended this website..." uh no one it exploded onto my computer. This annoying nagging I always feel to find new ways to make income and reminders I have nothing saved for retirement. True wealth is being able to do without. or put another way "Who is rich? He who rejoices in his lot." --The Mishnah some more quotes on wealth (http://www.trans4mind.com/counterpoint/index-humor-inspiration/haw2.shtml). 

Most weeks I fantasize about grabbing my tent and leaving Tokyo to live a simpler life. But I have a family. My wife is the one who makes the money. I watched our now 6 year old daughter since she was born. This was an agreement but of necessity not out of freewill.  I was/am an actor/model on commercials, movies, historic dramas, promotional videos, in magazines etc. No it is not glamorous and I stumbled into it Be careful which direction you set off in there may be no turning back. Its nerve wracking. Today I got news of a soap commercial audition and the panic cycle was reset. The worrying if my picture will be selected and what lines I will have to learn in a moments notice and worse what if I actually get the job and have to act all cool and collected (the best acting I ever do) during the shoot? What if I don't get it and its another wasted trip at my expense and wasted nerves?  I stay in Tokyo mostly because of my daughter I could go somewhere else and maybe find work that is more me but for now providing for my family means being physically and hopefully mentally, spiritually, and emotionally there for my daughter. 

I am not content. I am not content with my job, my clothes that I usually buy at thrift stores and with not having money for things like wine and Parmesan cheese or to just give away or buy a new hat or sneakers (mine are 2 years old). Part of my discontent is because I need certain clothes for work but can't afford them right now and I need a new portfolio bad to get more work to get more clothes and maybe redo the kitchen since the stove is on its way out, and money to travel back home and see my 98 year old grandmother before she has another stroke, or more money to throw at my wife so she will stop those looks of disgust and disappointment (not to mention the stuff that comes out of her mouth). The list of discontent continues.

We rationalize our lifestyle. We compare it to others who live more lavishly than us. 

In Luke chapter 3 John the Baptist was preaching to the crowds who came to be baptized. He warns them that basically they are sinful and they need to bear fruit or be thrown into hell. This is the ultimate fire and brimstone sermon. He  is basically saying you can't just claim to be God's in name only and not show it by their lives. The people get scared and ask "what shall we do?" John mentions a few very specific things. Share your food and clothes with those that don't have, to the tax collectors don't take more than is owed (act justly), and to the soldiers he says don't take money by force, don't accuse people falsely, and be content with your wages.

Here is another verse I thought I should emphasize. We want more for ourselves, our own pleasures is the essence. This is not in line with the nature/spirit of God. It is other than Him. It is also not the best for us. So why do we think we deserve more and why do we crave so much? Many problems in the world and my small world if I am honest come from my lusts/desires/cravings. I believe this may be a real cause of some of the depression, anxiety, exhaustion in our lives.

James 4 [a]What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? [b]Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask [c]with wrong motives, so that you may spend it [d]on your pleasures.4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “[e]He [f]jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? 6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.9 Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

As always comments are welcomed.